Riot Games Helps Preserve Ceremonial Flags from Joseon Dynasty's First World Expo

The company is sponsoring the conservation of five historic flags that were exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:03am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration composed of sharp, angular shapes in red, black, and white, conceptually representing the ceremonial flags of the Joseon Dynasty that were exhibited at the 1893 World's Fair.Riot Games' conservation efforts help preserve the cultural legacy of Korea's first official international exposition entry.Chicago Today

Riot Games is supporting the preservation of five ceremonial flags from the Joseon Dynasty that were displayed at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the first official international exposition in which the Joseon Dynasty participated. The flags, including the 'Tiger Flag', are currently held by the University of Pennsylvania Museum and will be conserved and then exhibited in Korea for the first time.

Why it matters

These cultural artifacts have been abroad for over a century, and Riot Games' support will ensure their historical significance is recognized both domestically and internationally. The company has a track record of protecting Korean cultural heritage through repatriation and conservation efforts.

The details

The five ceremonial flags, which were used in royal processions and military ceremonies during the Joseon Dynasty, are part of a collection of 27 cultural heritage items that were displayed at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Riot Games is sponsoring the conservation process to preserve these artifacts more securely. Once the work is complete, the flags will be unveiled in Korea for the first time at a special exhibition titled 'World Expo' at the National Palace Museum of Korea this December.

  • The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the first official international exposition in which the Joseon Dynasty participated.
  • The ceremonial flags have remained in the United States since the 1893 expo.
  • Riot Games has been actively involved in protecting and supporting Korean cultural heritage since 2012.
  • The conservation project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 'World Expo' exhibition in December 2026.

The players

Riot Games

A video game company that has been actively involved in protecting and supporting Korean cultural heritage since 2012, with over ₩10 billion in cumulative donations to related projects.

Cho Hyuk-jin

The representative of Riot Games Korea, who stated the company's hope that this support will help safeguard the value of Korea's cultural heritage and share its significance with more people.

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

The museum that currently holds the collection of 27 cultural heritage items, including the five ceremonial flags, that were displayed at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

National Palace Museum of Korea

The museum that will host the special 'World Expo' exhibition where the conserved ceremonial flags will be unveiled in Korea for the first time.

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What they’re saying

“We hope this support serves as an opportunity to safeguard the value of our cultural heritage that has remained abroad and to share its significance with more people today.”

— Cho Hyuk-jin, Representative of Riot Games Korea

What’s next

The conserved ceremonial flags are scheduled to be unveiled in Korea for the first time at the 'World Expo' exhibition at the National Palace Museum of Korea in December 2026.

The takeaway

Riot Games' support for the conservation of these historic Joseon Dynasty ceremonial flags underscores the company's commitment to preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage, even for artifacts that have been abroad for over a century. This effort helps ensure these important cultural assets are safeguarded and their significance is shared with more people.